I'll be buying a V6 SUV soon and am looking at towing capacities. Two of the models I'm looking at are pretty much identical in terms of size, weight,
horsepower, and torque. One has a 3500 pound max tow weight and the other 5000.
I'm wondering why the difference. Does anybody know how the max tow weights are determined?4x4abc - 7-3-2019 at 09:49 AM
compare the axle differential gear ratios fishbuck - 7-3-2019 at 10:32 AM
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight difference probably.
Check the spec.. AKgringo - 7-3-2019 at 10:33 AM
Because of good gearing, my little Kia can tow way more weight than it can safely stop! On my property, I sometimes tow a 350 gallon water tank on a
trailer, on fairly steep terrain. I would never take it on the road with no trailer brakes!fishbuck - 7-3-2019 at 10:43 AM
The diffenrence between an F-250 and F-350 is the springs.
More springs on the 350.
A load that crushes and F-250 just settles an F-350 onto the "helper" springs.
And also why it is rock hard empty.
[Edited on 7-3-2019 by fishbuck]fishbuck - 7-3-2019 at 10:45 AM
Also determines the max tung weightSFandH - 7-3-2019 at 11:51 AM
That's an idea. I'll see if I can find those. However, both are front wheel drive, not like the old, simple days with a driveshaft going into a
rear-end differential.
I imagine braking capability comes into play also. Maybe the more capable car has larger rotors/pads. I dunno.
Fishbuck, I understand the tongue weight issues. I'm more concerned about the loaded trailer weight. fishbuck - 7-3-2019 at 12:15 PM
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight difference probably.
Check the spec..
Yes, GVWR. The number the manufacturer rates the truck can tow, minus the truck fully loaded with passengers, gear, fluids.
Probably as important, at least in Baja, is having auxiliary braking for the towed vehicle. Without it, you might smoke your brakes or worse.
Then there's the inability to make an emergency stop.
Lots determined by how far you plan to tow and where. bkbend - 7-4-2019 at 09:44 AM
I won't tow anything that outweighs my tow vehicle even though the book says I can. I just don't think it's safe to have something heavier than me
pushing me around at highway speeds.
If an SUV is 4,000 lbs and has a max tow weight of 5,000 lbs I'd feel safer in winds or when trucks go by if I limit my tow to 4,000 lbs.
